Hamster Play Pen ideas.

[Gemma_xo]

I've just spent about 2 hours cutting out card board boxes to make a play pen for Pixie, I can't justify the funds for a metal play pen and I think it's about time I sorted a play pen out, if only temporarily until I can afford a metal one.

I had the brain box idea (from a friend on Facebook) that something like this children's ball pool might work, I mean, it has a floor (not sure if it's a net floor or a sheet of material because the picture isn't exactly a close up one, if it's a net floor I will be looking for ways to either replace it, or I'd cut it out to avoid feet being stuck in the net).
But I figured it's an inexpensive alternative to a metal cage one, and a better alternative to card board. Also, it's foldable to literally one "panel" length and due to the insane lack of storage space in my flat, it seems perfect to me.

I am aware hamsters chew, but Pixie would NEVER be left unsupervised in there so I could stop any chewing attempt as soon as I saw it, and/or patched up with pool patches or even bike patches on either side, something that's adhesive but not toxically adhesive kind of thing (I will do some research!)

I have weighed up the pros and cons, here's a list (that I can think of)

Pros:
A lot cheaper then most metal play pens I've seen online and in stores
Sturdier then a cardboard play pen
Foldable to a "panel" length
Has a floor (questionable pro, but for now it's a pro.)
Can be brought in different sizes to suit hamster size & space available.
Quick and easy temporary fix with little to no finances.

Cons:
Thin, ability for hamster to chew through in no time at all. (With supervision this can easily be managed)
No way to sufficiently have a water bottle, (will probably use a toilet roll tube with a hole in to utilise the spare bottle I have, and to ensure water is available at all times in the play pen, but more of a pain due to other play pens having wires and the nylon play pen having space for a water bottle).
Can't be climbed up (from what I gather, the proof would be on arrival & use!)

Anyone else think of any pros or cons? I want to really weigh them up before I buy this, I have a temporary cardboard attempt, but I'm no DIY expert, it won't last long at all knowing my track record! Would you buy one of these if it got to a point where needs must?

Thanks